First Lady Remi Tinubu Donates ₦250m To NIPSS Gender Centre

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Remi Tinubu, has donated ₦250 million to the newly established Oluremi Tinubu Gender and Public Policy Studies Centre at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, the First Lady said the Centre’s creation marks a milestone in promoting inclusion, equality, and gender-responsive policy development in Nigeria.

In a statement by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu commended the approach adopted by the Centre, noting that it recognised the need for both men and women to collaborate in dismantling stereotypes and advancing national development.

“Actual progress will come when both genders stand as allies, working together to dismantle stereotypes, open opportunities, and strengthen our collective humanity,” she said.

She added that the Centre aligns with one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to harness the full potential of all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, or economic background.

The First Lady applauded participants of the Senior Executive Course 45 (2023) of NIPSS, who conceptualised, funded, and executed the project, describing their initiative as visionary and patriotic.

“This project would not have become a reality if not for the foresight of participants of the Senior Executive Course 45, who conceived, funded, and executed what we are seeing today. I applaud your vision and generosity; this gesture will leave a lasting legacy on our nation’s policy landscape,” she said.

Senator Tinubu expressed optimism that the Centre would drive transformative research and support inclusive policymaking for national progress.

In his remarks, Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, said the establishment of the Gender Centre would enrich public discourse on women’s representation in governance. He expressed hope that the Centre would contribute to efforts aimed at securing reserved seats for women in the legislature and executive arms of government.

Chairman of the NIPSS Board and former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, commended the choice of naming the Centre after Senator Tinubu, describing her as a “go-getter” whose commitment to nation-building and women’s empowerment was exemplary. He also called for the renovation of several structures within the Institute as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

The newly commissioned Centre is expected to serve as a hub for gender-based research, policy innovation, and leadership training to advance equitable governance across Nigeria.